Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Now that Christmas is over and I've had a couple days to re-coup, I have the time to share this great blanket pattern with you! I gifted 4 of these this year to family & friends, they work up fairly quick and the pattern is very simple. Included in the pattern are a couple different ideas for the border but you can also leave the border off or be creative and come up with your own! If you have any questions please feel free to ask!

Gauge: Each "V" (created by [dc, ch 1, dc]) should measure approx. 1.25".
Getting gauge is not extremely important for this pattern but it could affect the finished size of the blanket and the amount of yardage you need for the pattern.

Important Notes:
-Joins are made with sl st.
-A group of stitches listed between these brackets [ ] are to all be worked in the same space.

Row 2: Ch 2, turn. [dc, ch 1, dc] in each ch 1 sp across. Dc in top of ch 2 at the end of the row.

Repeat row 2 for a total of 57 rows, do not fasten off.

Border Options

Each border starts with a row of sc's around the entire edge of the blanket, do so as follows then move down to your choice of border:

Row 1: After completing row 57, ch 1 and rotate the blanket to the right so you can work along the long edge of the blanket.

(click to enlarge)

Work 2 sc over each dc/ch 2 sp along this side.
.

When you reach the corner ch 2 then proceed to work along the next edge working an sc in each sp.
When you reach the next corner ch 2 then proceed to work 2 sc over each dc/ch 2 sp.
Ch 2 at the next corner and work an sc in each space until you reach the final corner, ch 2 & join.

You should have 114 sc along each long side of the blanket and 81 sc along each short side of the blanket. Don't worry if you are a stitch or two off.

With white:(1) Begin by laying out a strand of yarn about 18" in length. (2) Using your hand with your fingers slightly spaced, (3) wrap yarn around your hand 50-70 times. (4) Carefully slip the yarn off your hand and place it centered on top of the 18" strand. (5) Tie a knot twice. (6) With your tapestry needle secure the center of the pom-pom by sewing through the center with each end a few times. (7) This next part is optional but I like to make sure my pom-poms are very secure so next I run a bead of either fabric or Elmer's glue around the center. Let the glue dry. (8) Cut through each loop. (9) Trim pom-pom to desired size being sure not to trim the original 18" strand. Use this strand to sew the pom-pom to the top of the hat.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

This morning I am sharing a fun pattern for a snowman (or snowgirl) that can either be made as a toy or you can add an ornament hanger and use it as a Christmas ornament. I'd love to see your finished snow people, if you would like to share your pictures you can do so on my facebook here: facebook.com/byjennidesigns or add this pattern as a project on Ravelry!

Important Notes:-Sc2tog counts as an sc.-Joins are made with a sl st. -Stitches places in these brackets [ ] indicate a group of stitches that should all be worked into the same space.-This pattern calls for use of the magic circle (aka magic ring), if you do not know how to make a magic circle you can learn here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64O9WVJucFA-The body of the snowman is worked in the round. To keep track of your rows place a stitch marker in the last stitch of each row and proceed to move the stitch marker up at the end of each row.

Body

Using White:Row 1: Magic circle, ch 1, 6 sc in circle. Pull circle tight and sew in end, do not join. (6)Remember to place your stitch marker in the last stitch of the row and continue to move it to the last stitch of each row as you go.Row 2: 2 sc in the very first sc you made in row 1. (You will now be working in the round) 2 sc in next and in each around. (12)Row 3: *Sc in next, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. (18)Row 4: *Sc in next 2, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. (24)Row 5: *Sc in next 3, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. (30)Row 6-12: Sc in each around. (30)Be sure to turn your piece right side out, if you don't it may be difficult to do so later on.Row 13: *Sc in next 3, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. (24)Row 14: *Sc in next 2, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. (18)Start stuffing the snowman now and continue to do so as you go along. Row 15: Sc in each around. (18)Row 16: *Sc in next 2, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. (24)Row 17-21: Sc in each around. (24)Row 22: *Sc in next 2, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. (18)If you want to use buttons on your snowman or stitch on coal, it's easiest to do it now. Row 23: *Sc in next, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. (12)Row 24: Sc in each around. (12)Row 25: *Sc in next, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. (18)Row 26-30: Sc in each around. (18)You should now embroider on the carrot nose and eyes or if you are using safety eyes, you should add them now. As a guide, my eyes are worked within row 30, the nose is is in rows 28 & 29 and the smile is worked between rows 26 & 27.Row 31: *Sc in next, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. (12)Row 32: *Sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. (6)Sl sl into next to join then fasten off leaving a long end. Using the end, sew the hole shut & sew in the end.

Arms

Using brown:

With the snowman upright and facing you, attach brown yarn with a sl st on the right side in row 19.

Ch 9, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next 2. Ch 3.

Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining sp across. Fasten off. Using the end of your yarn and a tapestry needle, secure arm to the body then sew the ends into the arms to help make them stiffer.

To make the 2nd arm, hold the snowman upside down while he is still facing you. Attach brown yarn with sl st in row 19.

Ch 9, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next 2. Ch 3.

Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining sp across. Fasten off. Using the end of your yarn and a tapestry needle, secure arm to the body then sew the ends into the arms to help make them stiffer.

Scarf

Using two colors of choice:Row 1: With first color: Ch 46, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each across. (45 sc)Fasten off.Row 2: Join new color with a sl st. Ch 1, sc in each across. (45 sc)Fasten off. Don't bother with sewing in your ends, instead add additional yarn pieces to the ends of the scarf and knot the pieces together to make fringe.

Hat Choices

Beanie Hat

Using two colors of choice:Starting with the color your would like for the hat:Row 1: Magic circle, ch 1, 6 sc in circle. Join. (6 sc)Row 2-3: Ch 1, 2 sc in each around. Join. (12 sc)

Fasten off.

Join contrast color with a sl st.Row 4: Ch 1, sc in same, 2 sc in next. *Sc in next, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (18 sc)
Fasten off leaving a long end to sew hat to the top of the snowman.

Optional: Make a small pom-pom for the top of the hat and attach it to the top of the hat.